It took 7 years to get my family to Canada. I’m unsure if any party truly supports immigrants

After nearly a decade of waiting, Yasmeen Awadh finally received the news she had been longing for – her parents and sister had been granted permanent residency in Canada. The journey to reunite her family had been long and arduous, filled with uncertainty and challenges.

Awadh had applied to sponsor her parents and sister to immigrate to Canada from Kuwait in 2009. However, the immigration process proved to be much more complicated and time-consuming than she had anticipated. The federal government’s website provided inaccurate wait times, leaving Awadh feeling frustrated and helpless.

Upon contacting her local MP’s office for assistance, Awadh learned that there was a massive backlog of applications, resulting in a lengthy wait time for family reunification. This revelation meant that she had to remain employed to meet the financial requirements for sponsorship, putting a strain on her personal and professional life.

Despite facing two layoffs and having to put her other plans on hold, Awadh remained determined to bring her family to Canada. The thought of starting the process all over again in case of a denial was daunting, but her family remained her top priority.

After 7½ years of waiting, Awadh’s parents and sister finally arrived in Canada as permanent residents in October 2016. The long-awaited reunion brought immense joy and relief to Awadh and her family, making all the struggles and sacrifices worthwhile.

Immigration has always been a significant issue for Awadh, coming from a background where citizenship and civil rights can be easily revoked. The experience of navigating Canada’s immigration system has made her acutely aware of the importance of family reunification and the impact it can have on individuals and society as a whole.

As the upcoming federal election approaches, Awadh is closely monitoring the candidates’ stances on immigration and citizenship issues. She is concerned about the recent pause on applications for sponsoring parents and grandparents and the potential implications for family reunification.

Awadh believes that family reunification plays a vital role in integrating newcomers into Canadian society and enabling them to contribute effectively. She emphasizes the need for resources to address rising hate crimes and provide support for marginalized communities, as well as affordable housing for newcomers.

In light of her experiences and concerns, Awadh is leaning towards voting for a party that supports immigration and upholds civil rights. She is wary of conservative views that could potentially alter citizenship laws and is looking for a government that prioritizes the well-being and integration of newcomers into Canadian society.

As she prepares to cast her vote in the upcoming election, Awadh reflects on her journey as an immigrant in Canada and the importance of family, community, and inclusivity in shaping her decision at the ballot box.